It took me 17 years to get my art degree. I spent most of those years learning the rules on how to make almost every genre of art except abstract painting. When I finally graduated, I decided it was time to create art in a way that allowed me to be messy and spontaneous. So much of my middle-aged life has become well-planned and organized; I decided to give myself the freedom not always to have everything meticulously planned out before I begin painting. With two of my kids having left for college, I am thrilled that I did not give up on finishing my degree. When I can reach a place in art-making where I am opening up and making marks without hesitation, I feel like I am becoming a better person for myself and the people closest to me.